NASA’s Ingenuity robotic helicopter, sent to Mars in February 2021, has completed its mission and will now serve as a fixed data collection unit on the Red Planet. This solar-powered spacecraft made history by becoming the first motorized vehicle to fly on another planet, demonstrating the possibility of flight in the thin Martian atmosphere. Weighing only 1.8 kg, Ingenuity resembles a drone with four legs and two rotors.
During its almost three-year mission, Ingenuity covered a distance 14 times greater than originally planned, flying a total of about 17 kilometers and reaching a height of 24 meters. Despite facing challenges such as an emergency landing during its penultimate flight and damage to one of its rotor blades, Ingenuity exceeded expectations. The helicopter’s longevity is extraordinary considering the harsh conditions on Mars and its ability to survive the planet’s icy nights.
NASA is now exploring ways to quickly and cost-effectively return rock samples collected by the Perseverance rover on Mars back to Earth. The success of the Ingenuity helicopter mission has paved the way for future research and exploration on the Red Planet. With its groundbreaking achievements, Ingenuity has truly become a legendary defender in the realm of space exploration.